The film "The Road" returns Kosovo to one of the biggest film festivals in the world. It is precisely Samir Karahoda who repeats a success like this after "Pa Vend" wrote history in 2021, when for the first time a local film entered the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Now "Rrugës" competes for the "Golden Palm" in the category of short films and has been selected among 4 films from all over the world.
The news was announced a few minutes ago by the producer of the film Eroll Bilibani. The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival takes place from May 14 to 25. Kosovo, according to the announcement, competes with 10 other states in this category.
The film "The Road" tells the story of a father and his son on their way to the airport to receive a gift from abroad, sent by the son's godfather. As they face bureaucratic obstacles and an uneasy prospect for real political and social change in their country, they find comfort and strength in their shared optimism for the future.
"Out of 4.420 films, 'The Road' has been selected among 11 short films from 11 countries that will be presented this year in competition. Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, France, Lithuania, Portugal and the United States. The 'Palma d'Or' for the short film will be awarded by the jury headed by Lubna Azabal, on Saturday, May 25, during the closing ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival," Bilibani's announcement reads.
"The Road" was written "by Samir Karahoda and his son Mironi, integrating personal stories and autobiographical elements, which reflect their concerns about the future of the country. During this short journey, their journey becomes an exploration of their connection between social challenges and the insecurity they have in their homeland."
Ylber Mehmeti and Miron Karahoda appear in the main roles. Samir Karahoda, in addition to directing and scripting, was also the director of photography. The film was expertly edited by Enis Saraçi. It is a production of 'SK Pictures' with producers Eroll Bilibani and Samir Karahoda, supported by the Cinematographic Center of Kosovo, European Cultural Television 'ARTE' and Finnish Television 'Yle'.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, was quick to congratulate him on this success. "For the second time, director Samir Karahoda wins a place in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival program. After participating in 2021, with the film 'Pa Vend', this year he participates with the new film 'The Road', within the short film competition in the 77th edition of this extremely prestigious festival. He becomes the first director from Kosovo who has shown two different films in the Cannes competition", wrote Prime Minister Kurti. "Congratulations to Samir, Miron, Ylber, Eroll, Enis and Labinot, and good luck in this year's competition," he wrote.
